Experience in College App Essays & Academic Assignments

Tara A.

So many of us hate writing. We get overwhelmed and freeze. We don't know what to do or how to start. Deadlines approach and the stress gets heavier. All the parts and things-to-do feels daunting and impossible, especially in the College Application Process. In the end, too many teens scratch something out and hit submit fingers crossed it does the job.

Aside from traditional academic assignments, I've helped hundreds of students craft their Personal Statements and Supplemental Essays for the College App. I guide them and support them as they produce essays that get them into college. Not only that, I show them skills and build their confidence to be better writers and better thinkers and ultimately, better students.

I have helped students understand that writing isn't "right or wrong" and there's really no formula for doing it. Instead, there are options. The most effective writing is completed when a student is equipped with the tools and fortitude to craft a specific piece for a specific audience and purpose. Once they realize this, they are liberated and "good" writing happens. Real writing. Authentic writing. That's what teachers and colleges want to see.

As a teacher, there's no greater satisfaction than watching a student feel this empowerment.

If your teen is stuck, please send me a note and we can discuss ways I can help. I have various options to meet your budget and needs.

CREDENTIALS: M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition with 5 years experience in the college classroom teaching English 101 & 102 as well as ESL. 10 years experience of one-on-one tutoring academic and professional writing students. My writing has been featured by the New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, and NPR, and I spent a decade covering government and public affairs.

That combination — professional writer and experienced writing teacher — means I understand both what strong writing looks like and exactly how to coach someone to get there.